Why the Nissan Z is Still an Icon

As the biggest Nissan Z dealership in the country, we at Avondale Nissan know how much drivers love this classic muscle car design. From its earliest days to the cutting-edge modern model, this coupe is perfect for drivers who want to push performance further.

Origins of the Nissan Z

The original 1970 Nissan Z—marketed in Japan as the 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z—was an instant hit with sports car fans on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. The 2.4-liter, six-cylinder engine could zip from zero to sixty in 7.8 seconds and used a simple but effective suspension design. Sales climbed throughout the 1970s as more drivers realized how engaging this car was, making it a fixture at racetracks and in driving enthusiasts’ driveways.

Rebirth and Redesign

The original 1970s models proved themselves at the racetrack — Paul Newman won the SCCA Trans-Am competition in one — but the 1990 Nissan 300ZX pushed performance even further. A new, more sophisticated suspension improved handling, while the available double turbochargers gave it 300 horsepower. Later remodels continued to add more power and capability, cementing this muscle car’s legacy.

The Modern 2024 Nissan Z

The 2024 Nissan Z lives up to the legacy of this dominant car, with the classic twin-turbocharger design producing up to 400 horsepower. The six-speed manual transmission features available SynchroRev Match® and launch control for drivers who need to explode off the starting line. Plus, with a driver-focused cockpit and modern infotainment features, this two-door sedan is excellent for day-to-day driving, too.

Test-Drive the 2024 Nissan Z in Avondale, AZ

With thrilling performance and nimble handling, the 2024 Nissan Z lives up to the legacy of this classic sports car. Our team are experts in this track-ready monster, so visit us at Avondale Nissan and take one for a test drive today!